Match Fixing Probe in Cyprus

Match Fixing Probe in Cyprus

Match fixing investigation in Cyprus leads authorities to UK betting company.

On December 7, suspicious betting on a football game between Olympiacos Nicosia and Doxa triggered an alert among monitoring authorities.

During the game, the betting was heavy on Olympiacos to win, even when the side went two goals down. When Olympiacos won the game 3-2, turnover at one betting company topped $660,000.

An Olympiacos player has been questioned by the Cyprus Football Association, after he pulled out of the game at the last minute.

The Cyprus Mail reports that the Cypriot Police will request permission from the UK to visit an unnamed UK wagering services operator. The Cypriot Police hope to obtain information on accounts that may have been used to fix games, as well as gain Internet Provider (IP) addresses. This questioning is routine in a situation involving unusual betting patterns.

Another cup-tie, between Ayia Napa and Nea Salamina, saw one betting company take €113,000 worth of bets before the game on Nea Salamina winning. Ayia Napa team went two goals ahead before Nea Salamina won 4-2, triggering more match fixing suspicions.